JP2015532691A - Acoustic panel with lighting characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an acoustic panel that includes a plurality of elongated parallel cavities. Each cavity has a first cavity wall and a second cavity wall that taper to the rear end of the cavity and define a cavity opening angle γ having a value in a range of 0? <Γ <90? The first cavity wall and the second cavity wall include a light-reflective material, and each elongated cavity contains a light source having a light exit surface at the cavity rear end of the elongated cavity, and the acoustic panel is connected to the acoustic panel. When viewed along the normal, the first cavity wall conceals the light exit surface of the light source, and the acoustic panel further includes a sound reducing material.

Description

  The present invention relates to an acoustic panel and its use.

  Acoustic panels are well known in the art. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003163967 describes a joining assembly for a panel screen or room divider system, for example. The joining assembly includes a first frame member with a longitudinally extending recess having a narrow slot in which a tenon component is received. The tenon part engages with a slot-like recess formed in the second frame member. The screen or room divider further includes at least one panel member at its edge having a flange slidably engageable within the recess of the second frame member. The screen or room partition is at least two vertical frame members, each of which has at least two vertical frame members provided with recesses formed therein, and a flange shaped to fit within the recesses And at least two connecting members. The end surface of the connecting member is inclined and tends to generate a wedge effect when the end and end are arranged together.

  Recently, the number of office workers assigned to open plan offices has increased. In such offices, people often complain that it makes it difficult to do their work because of unpleasant and distracting sounds around them. The most distracting source in an open plan office is conversation, especially conversations from people. In order to block the sound of conversation in open spaces, acoustic reducing partition walls such as sound absorption or sound blocking may be placed on and / or between the desks.

  The challenge associated with partition walls is that they also block light. This reduces the working lighting level at the desk (by blocking the light from the ceiling light to the desk), but it also blocks, for example, the view outside the window. The latter effect may cause fatigue or eye fatigue due to the low brightness of the partition wall compared to the brightness of the computer screen.

  A common solution to these challenges is desk lights to provide additional work lighting, and lighting built under the cabinet or shelf to illuminate the desk and partition walls. Such illumination may not provide the desired light distribution.

  Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide another acoustic panel that at least partially further eliminates one or more of the disadvantages described above.

  The partition wall according to the present invention has two main purposes. First, by dissipating and / or blocking, for example, sound waves propagating from one desk to another, the discomfort of people aroused by conversation and other sounds is reduced. Second, light that can be blocked by the partition walls is compensated by built-in, substantially glare-free work lighting and the soft brightness of the walls. The built-in lighting feature may be used to return the lighting level to the minimum required level (eg, 500 lux working illuminance at the desk), but it also improves people's comfort It may be used to increase the lighting level in areas where there is little daylight. In addition, a soft luminous effect may be used to reduce eye fatigue due to the contrast between the bright computer screen and the dark partition wall. Finally, it is also an object of the present invention to reduce the clutter of the office space by incorporating additional lighting functions (desk lights, wall lights) into the furniture (partition walls).

  The present invention, in one embodiment, may be a rigid back (and may be sound-insulating and / or especially mechanical) covered by a thick (eg 1-10 cm) sound-reducing material layer (eg melamine foam or glass wool). A sound reduction panel, such as a sound absorption and / or sound isolation panel. The sound-reducing layer is an elongated (tapered) daylight hole that is coated in the layer, in one embodiment, an optically diffusing reflective layer (eg, white paint or non-woven fiber). ) Or slit (also referred to herein as an elongated cavity). The long cavities may be tapered, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the long cavity axis, in particular each long cavity is one located at the rear end of the cavity. Alternatively, it contains multiple light sources and (when illuminated) provides light from the cavity opening (the wide end) of the elongated cavity over a substantial portion of the length of the elongated cavity. An elongate cavity can thus be understood as a kind of elongate (asymmetric) collimator. In one embodiment, the light source is attached to the back surface (also may function as a heat sink) aligned with the back end of the cavity, such as a tapered daylight hole or narrow end of the slit. The light of the light source may therefore be guided from the rear end of the cavity to the cavity opening. However, the illumination may be direct or indirect (via the elongated cavity wall).

  In one embodiment, a tapered lighting hole or slit is applied. Tapered daylight holes or slits (i.e., elongated (tapered) cavities) are asymmetric in the sense that at least they are inclined relative to the normal to the panel. Thus, one side of the light hole / slit may block the direct view of the light source, thus preventing (direct) glare. Diffusely reflecting daylight holes / slits have direct illumination components (light not blocked by the daylight aperture side, eg used for work lighting) and indirect diffuse illumination components (glow effect ("soft lighting", above) See)) may be provided. Thus, in one embodiment, one or more of the (tapered) cavities, in particular the bisector of all (tapered) cavities, is inclined relative to the normal to the panel.

  This effect may be achieved in principle and also when the cavity is not tapered because the cavity wall may still block the direct view of the light source. For example, both cavity walls may be inclined with respect to the normal to the panel.

  Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an acoustic panel that includes one or more elongated cavities, each cavity comprising a first cavity wall, a second cavity wall, and a first cavity wall. And a cavity opening between the second cavity wall and a cavity rear end (also referred to as “rear end”). In one or more of the elongate cavities, in particular all of them, the elongate cavity contains a light source having a light exit surface at the rear end of the cavity, the light source emitting light from the cavity opening. A first cavity wall or first (one or more of the elongate cavities containing the light source) when the acoustic panel is viewed along a normal to the acoustic panel. The two cavity walls conceal the light exit surface of the light source and the acoustic panel further includes a sound reducing material.

  In a particular embodiment, in each of the elongated cavities, the elongated cavity accommodates a light source having a light exit surface at the rear end of the cavity, and the light source emits light source emitted from the cavity opening. The first cavity wall or the second cavity wall hides the light exit surface of the light source when configured to provide and the acoustic panel is viewed along a normal to the acoustic panel.

  In one embodiment, one or more of the one or more first cavity walls and the one or more second cavity walls include a sound reducing material.

  As indicated above, such an acoustic panel can be advantageously used to reduce sound in an office or other room, thereby providing sound insulation and a person in such a room. While improving comfort, lighting can also be improved. This may also improve the comfort of people in such rooms. The acoustic panel may be used in particular as a desk divider or a room divider. In such an embodiment, the acoustic panel may be placed on a desk, for example. Furthermore, the acoustic panel may therefore be used to provide work lighting at the desk while enhancing visual and auditory privacy within the open office.

  In one embodiment, the first cavity wall can be interpreted as an upper cavity wall and the second cavity wall can be interpreted as a lower cavity wall. When the long cavity is tapered, the rear end of the cavity can be interpreted as the tapered end of the long cavity.

  In particular, in one or more of the elongated cavities, in particular all of them, the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall are light reflective materials, in particular diffusively reflective materials (see also below). Will be included). Of course, this may be especially true for the elongated cavity (s) that house the light source.

  As shown above, each cavity has a first cavity wall, a second cavity wall, a cavity opening between the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall, and a cavity rear end. When the elongate cavity contains a light source, the light source in the elongate cavity is particularly configured to provide light source light emanating from the cavity opening. Accordingly, light from the light source, ie light source light, travels from the rear end of the cavity to the cavity opening and “leaks” therefrom. This may be direct light, but the light exiting the cavity opening is also indirect light, ie after one or more reflections from one or more of the first and second cavity walls. Light from a light source leaking from the cavity opening may be used. Thus, particularly for this reason, diffusively reflective materials may be applied as cavity walls or layers of cavity walls.

  The first cavity wall and the second cavity wall may be arranged in parallel or in a tapered shape (tapered from the cavity opening to the rear end of the cavity). Accordingly, the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall may have a mutual angle or a cavity opening angle that tapers to the rear end of the cavity, and 0 ° ≦ γ <90 °, particularly 0 ° <γ <90. Defining a cavity opening angle (γ) having a value in the range of 35 °, even more particularly 35 ° ≦ γ ≦ 75 °. The cavity opening angle may vary depending on the cavity length, but may alternatively or additionally be different for each elongated cavity. When viewed from a distance, direct light may not be recognized. For example, the expression “seen along the normal” is particularly relevant for an observer located at a distance of 20 times the height of the panel from the panel. This is further explained below.

  Thus, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides that one or more of the elongated cavities, particularly in all of them, the first and second cavity walls taper to the cavity back end. A value in the range 0 ° <γ <90 °, as indicated above, provides an acoustic panel that will define a cavity opening angle (γ) having in particular 35 ° ≦ γ ≦ 75 °.

  In a more specific embodiment, the elongated cavities are arranged in parallel. Thus, in such an embodiment, the elongated cavity axes of the elongated cavities may be arranged in parallel and in a single plane.

  Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides an acoustic panel that includes one or more, particularly a plurality of, particularly parallel, elongated cavities. Each cavity has a first cavity wall and a second cavity wall (first cavity wall and second cavity wall) that taper to the rear end of the cavity, in particular (the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall) 35 Define a cavity opening angle (γ) having a value in the range of 0 ° <γ <90 °, such as in the range of up to 75 °. The first cavity wall and the second cavity wall particularly comprise a light reflective material. In particular, each elongate cavity accommodates a light source having a light exit surface at the cavity rear end of the elongate cavity. When the acoustic panel is viewed along the normal to the acoustic panel, the first cavity wall hides the light exit surface of the light source. The acoustic panel further includes a sound reducing material.

  In particular, the present invention provides an acoustic panel including a support frame, which is a support frame and is connected to long bars arranged in parallel to the support frame. The elongate bar includes a sound reducing material, and the elongate bar is further configured to provide an elongate cavity between two adjacent elongate bars. The acoustic panel includes a plurality of the elongate cavities (and thus particularly elongate bars). In particular, in the present description, each cavity has a first cavity wall and a second cavity wall that taper in the direction of the support frame, and 0 ° <γ <90 °, such as in the range of 35 to 75 °. Defining a cavity opening angle (γ) having a value within the range of the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall comprising a light reflective material, each elongated cavity having a light at the cavity rear end of the cavity. When a light source having an exit surface is accommodated and the acoustic panel is viewed along a normal to the support frame, the first cavity wall hides the light exit surface of the light source.

  The term acoustic panel refers to a panel having characteristics for reducing sound, generally a square or rectangular panel. In the following, several sound reduction materials are described.

  Various types of sound reducing materials may be applied.

  The sound absorber material or sound absorbing material is porous with many paths that remove sound reflections and generally redirect the sound and lose energy. Typical sound absorbing materials are fiberglass, rock wool, open cell urethane foam, porous melamine foam, heavy curtain blankets and thick textile wall coverings. Absorber material does not substantially block sound, but sound absorption can enhance separation by stopping air movement, which normally allows sound and noise to move. Conversely, a flexible non-porous barrier can function as a low frequency, low sound absorber.

  A sound diffuser material or sound diffuser material reduces sound intensity by scattering sound over a wide area rather than removing sound reflections like an absorber. Conventional spatial diffusers, such as polycylindrical (barrel) shapes, also double as low frequency traps. Temporal sound diffusers such as binary arrays and quadratics scatter sound in a manner similar to light diffraction, where the timing of reflection from non-flat surfaces of varying depths Causes dispersive interference.

  Sound insulation materials are generally heavy, dense and solid to prevent sound transmission. A common material is drywall (gypsum, sheet lock). Thin materials with high sound insulation properties are lead foil and mass loaded vinyl. Sandwiches of dissimilar materials such as 5/8 inch plaster, 1/8 inch vinyl barrier, and 1/2 inch dry layer of drywall are more effective than drywall of equal thickness only Shut off. More energy is lost because the sound must change its speed in each different material.

  The sound insulator material or sound insulation material is generally elastic and prevents the transmission of sound through the structural steel or concrete of the building and its piping and air handling system. A typical device passes through a resilient channel for dry walls, an insulating pad for floors, a de-coupling hanger for ceilings, and a sound insulation material that is usually effective for walls. A special adhesive to avoid the strong connection of nails and screws that often provide a sound path.

  In particular, the panel is configured to absorb and / or diffuse sound. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the acoustic panel is a sound absorbing and / or diffusing panel, and even more particularly a sound absorbing panel. Thus, in one embodiment, the sound reducing material includes a sound absorbing material and / or a sound diffusing material.

  For the best properties with respect to glare, the angle of the tapered wall of the cavity may be selected to reduce glare.

  Note that the first cavity wall angle (α) and the second cavity wall angle (β) may be different for different elongated cavities. Assuming that the panel is placed on a desk or floor, the lower cavity, particularly including the light source, in one embodiment, is a first cavity wall that is smaller than 0 ° <α ≦ 65 °, in particular greater than 0 ° but smaller. An angle (α) may be included, and similarly, the higher cavity may have a larger cavity angle such as 15 ° ≦ α ≦ 65 °, such as 25 ° ≦ α ≦ 65 °.

  In one embodiment, in one or more cavities, in particular in all of them, the first cavity wall is in the range of 0 ° <α ≦ 65 ° with respect to the normal to the panel, in particular in the range of 15 to 65 °. Of the first cavity wall angle (α), for example, more particularly 25 ° ≦ α ≦ 65 °, and / or the second cavity wall is 25 to 25 °, such as 25 to 80 ° normal to the panel. It has a second cavity wall angle (β) in the range of 90 °, and the first cavity wall angle (α) is smaller than the second cavity wall angle (β). In particular, in one or more cavities, in particular in all of them, the first cavity wall has a first cavity wall angle (α) in the range of 15 ° to 35 ° and / or a second cavity wall It will have a second cavity wall angle (β) in the range of 45 to 65 °, such as 35 to 55 °.

  In some embodiments, a portion of the light may be reflected by a desk or an article on the desk, so a bar located directly in front of the light exit surface (placed vertically) can further improve comfort It is. Therefore, in a further embodiment, the acoustic panel is configured perpendicular to the elongated cavity, and the acoustic panel is illuminated by light from the light source in a plane perpendicular to the acoustic panel and parallel to the reflective glare reduction bar. And further includes a reflective glare reduction bar configured to block and / or redirect the direct illumination of the article in front of the. Direct light redirection may be achieved, for example, by using a transparent prism foil (instead of a tilted bar). These bars can be perceived as a kind of louver that blocks the direct view of high intensity sources. In fact, if the first cavity wall is configured to conceal the light exit surface, it can therefore also be considered a louver (similarly, this is configured such that the second cavity wall conceals the light exit surface. This may be the case). Thus, in one embodiment, the bar may be inclined, and in yet another embodiment, the bar may be transparent, but includes a light redirecting feature. For example, the bars may be configured to refract the light of one or more light sources (emitting from the light exit surface behind each bar).

  Thus, for the best properties, the elongated cavities are tilted in such a way that the light of the light source can be used, for example, as work lighting on a desk, although the user cannot see the light directly . The light of the light source reflected by the reflective cavity (ie, the reflective cavity wall) can be used as background illumination and may advantageously contribute to a daylight experience.

  Further, for best properties, it may be desirable not to recognize the elongated cavity as a separate light source, but rather to recognize the panel as a single light source. Thus, in one embodiment, there are no substantially vertical panel elements between two adjacent cavity openings. In this way, the dark “space” between the light emitting cavities may be reduced and even substantially eliminated. Furthermore, it may be desirable that the distance between the elongated cavities is not too large. In a particular embodiment, the plurality of elongated cavities of the acoustic panel have a pitch in the range 2 to 25 cm, in particular in the range 4 to 15 cm. In this way, the light sources in the elongated cavity also have such a pitch.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, when using the acoustic panel, the acoustic panel is such that the first cavity wall conceals the light exit surface of the light source when the acoustic panel is viewed along the normal to the support frame. It is arranged with. In yet another embodiment, when using the acoustic panel, the acoustic panel is such that the second cavity wall conceals the light exit surface of the light source when the acoustic panel is viewed along the normal to the support frame. Be placed. In one embodiment, the elongated bars overlap each other like roof tiles.

  The expression “seen along the normal” is particularly relevant for an observer at a distance of 20 times the height of the panel from the panel. If such an observer sees no direct light (from the light exit face) from any of the cavities when viewing along the normal, the first cavity wall (or second cavity wall) is therefore each light The exit surface is well blocked. More stringent requirements can be created if the distance between the observer and the panel is set to 10 times the height of the panel. Nevertheless, this may still allow the lower cavity to have a smaller cavity angle than the upper cavity. In other words, the longer cavity at the bottom may have a larger cavity opening angle.

  The term “elongated cavity” relates to a cavity having a cavity length that exceeds the cavity height. In particular, the length (width) (cw) of the cavity opening is substantially smaller than the length (L) of the elongated cavity. In one embodiment, cw / L <1, in particular <0.5, and even more particularly <0.1. For example, the elongated cavity may be a trench having a length of 2 m, and the cavity opening between the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall may be selected within a range of 5 to 20 cm. This results in a cw / L ratio in the range of 0.025 to 0.1.

  The elongated cavities are arranged in a particularly parallel state, as indicated above. This therefore means in particular that the elongated channel axes are arranged in parallel. An elongate cavity may also be interpreted as an elongate groove or an elongate, particularly tapered trench. The term “parallel” also includes arrangements with slight deviations, such as small angles with respect to each other, such as in the range of 0 to 10 °, in particular 0 to 5 °, eg 0 to 2 °, 0 to 1 °, etc. But it ’s okay. Thus, each elongate channel axis or each first cavity wall and each second cavity wall may be at such an angle relative to each other.

  The long bar may be hollow or solid. The elongated bar may contain sound reducing material or may be made entirely of sound reducing material. The cavity wall of the elongated bar may be coated with a reflective material, or a reflective material may be applied to such a wall.

  Since the same elements are used for both light reflection and sound reduction, a reduction in size, thickness and / or width and cost is achieved compared to conventional solutions with stacked optical and acoustic elements Is done. In principle, any light reflection sound reducing material can be applied to form the reflector, for example, a cotton wrap wound around and supported by a rigid frame. In particular, however, the sound reducing material should have properties typical of reflectors, i.e. high reflectivity for light, sufficient mechanical strength, heat and / or flame resistance, and the like. In this respect, heat resistance means that such materials should be able to withstand a continuous service temperature of at least 120 ° C. for 30 days, in which respect flame resistance is such It means that the material does not propagate the flame. In particular, sound-reducing materials are particularly rigid enough not to be deformed, for example, by their own weight, and sufficiently rigid to carry a (small) light source, under its specified heat and environmental conditions. Maintain the preformed optical shape throughout its lifetime.

  In particular, the reflective material is diffusely reflective or has at least a highly diffusive reflective component, for example, the reflective material is more than 70% or 80%, or more than 95% diffusely reflective. Be and / or less than 30% or 20%, or even 5% or less specularly reflective. Diffusing reflectors allow the use of porous, continuous, or rough structures that are better suited for use as specularly reflective surfaces, better for absorbing sound than independent, smooth surfaces. Furthermore, the diffusely reflective surface reduces the risk of glare, which is particularly important for office lighting and computer work. Diffusely reflective surfaces are particularly suitable in environments where the precise beam as required for spot illumination is somewhat less important. However, if a specularly reflective surface is desired, the acoustically absorbing material can be coated with a reflective metal coating, such as an aluminum coating. For semi-specularly reflective reflectors, a satin-finished white paint coating on the sound-absorbing material is appropriate. Thus, in one embodiment, the reflective material comprises a diffusely reflective material.

  Known materials having at least one of the above-mentioned properties are flexible, lightweight, sound-absorbing open cell foams, thermosets / reflectors having a reflectivity of greater than about 85% depending on the applied coating. BASF Basotect® made from melamine resin, a thermoformable polymer, and PTFE (Poly-Tetra), a durable, non-yellowing polymer with reflectivity greater than 99% -Gore's GORE (R) DRP reflector, which is a microporous structure made from -fluoro-ethylene). In particular, the cavity wall is typically made of a (diffusively) reflective material having a reflectivity of 80% to 99.5%.

  Thus, in one embodiment, the reflective material is made of a sound reducing material.

  In particular, the light source includes a light emitting surface disposed at the back end of the cavity, such as the narrow end of the tapered reflector (ie, at the tapered end), the light emitting surface at least partially opening the cavity. Directed toward the part, in particular having a dimension substantially equal to the dimension of the narrow end of the tapered reflector and emitting substantially diffuse light towards the wide end of the tapered reflector Has been used to. The light source, in one embodiment, may be near the narrow end, thus negating the possibility of an optical gap through which light may leak through and in addition, the same amount of light is still illuminated. Allows lower peak values of light intensity while being able to be emitted from the system. In particular, one or more exit faces of the light source are directed towards the cavity opening (if a tapered elongated cavity is applied, eg towards the rear end of the cavity, such as a tapered end. Is configured).

  The light source may optionally be disposed within a reflector at the back end of the cavity, such as a tapered end.

  A further advantage of the lighting system according to the invention is that the solution for obtaining a lighting system that meets the glare requirements is relatively cost-effective. In many cases, known illumination systems use prism plates / sheets to limit the glare value. Such prism sheets are relatively expensive, and the application of prism sheets in known illumination systems is relatively expensive. Also, the placement of louvers, for example to limit the glare produced by a fluorescent light source, is relatively time consuming and therefore relatively expensive, but such use is not excluded. Tapered reflectors may be made relatively cost-effectively, for example, from highly diffusively reflective foam, and are molded using, for example, thermoforming techniques.

  Optionally, a scattering element may be (further) disposed downstream of the light source, but in the vicinity of, for example, a tapered end, for example, a cavity back end that is in physical contact with the light source. This may be in addition to or in place of any of the reflective glare reduction bars described above (see also above). For example, a translucent window may be applied.

  The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to the placement of an article or feature with respect to the propagation of light from a light generating means (here in particular a light source) and a first position in the beam of light from the light generating means. On the other hand, the second position closer to the light generating means in the light beam is “upstream”, and the third position further away from the light generating means in the light beam is “downstream”.

  The light source can be any light source, but (thus) is a light source that can emit light particularly substantially visible. Thus, in one embodiment, the light source includes a white light emitting device. The term light source may relate specifically to LEDs (light emitting diodes). In certain embodiments, the light source comprises a solid state LED light source (such as an LED or laser diode).

  The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2 to 100 (solid) LED light sources. In particular, the light source within the cavity is particularly configured to provide an elongate beam of light over substantially the entire length of the cavity. Thus, in use, the bars are interleaved with elongated beams of light exiting the cavity. The light source in the cavity has a light exit surface. Thus, in one embodiment, the light source includes a light source having a plurality of light exit surfaces and / or in another embodiment, the one or more elongated cavities include a plurality of light sources. In one embodiment, the light source is an elongate light source that includes a plurality of light exit surfaces. For example, this can be a long waveguide with a light outcoupling structure. As indicated above, in particular, the light source includes a light emitting diode (LED).

  In the case where the cavity includes a plurality of light exit faces, the pitch between the light exit faces may be in the range of 2 to 25 cm, in particular in the range of 4 to 15 cm.

  The frame can be any other type of frame, whether it is an open frame such as a bar (placed vertically when in use) or an open frame containing horizontal bars placed between vertical bars. May be. In one embodiment, the panel may be curved with a curvature in a plane that is parallel to the elongated bar and includes a normal to the support frame. The support frame, in one embodiment, may be the spine that holds the bar, and may optionally be a light source. The bar and optionally the light source may be coupled to the frame by connectors known in the art. In one embodiment, the frame is closed, i.e. it is a plate. Additionally or alternatively, if the panel includes a frame, the frame may include sound reducing or sound blocking material.

  The frame may optionally have a heat sink function for the light source. Optionally, the frame also includes one or more control units configured to control the individual light sources and an electronic device such as a transformer for converting the power into power suitable for the light source. .

  The elongated bar may be configured on one side of the frame, or the bar may be on both sides of the frame. If the bars are on both sides, a single bar extending on both sides of the frame may be applied, or individual bars on both sides may be applied. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the acoustic panel includes the elongate cavity on both sides of the frame, and the light source is configured to provide light exiting from both sides of the acoustic panel.

  In one embodiment, the acoustic panel may also be without a frame. In certain embodiments, the acoustic frame includes a panel of acoustic material in which an elongate cavity is provided and a light source is disposed at the rear end of the cavity.

  Furthermore, the acoustic panel may include one or more components. Thus, a single panel may be a single unit or may include two or more panel elements. These panel elements may be placed adjacent to each other in physical contact between the edges, for example, to allow the elongated cavities of adjacent panels to form one elongated cavity. . Accordingly, in one embodiment, an acoustic panel includes a panel element of sound reducing material that includes the plurality of elongated cavities or elongated cavity portions. In particular, in one embodiment, the acoustic panel includes a plurality of panel elements of sound reducing material, each panel element including an elongated cavity portion. Adjacent panel elements may be configured to provide an acoustic panel.

  The acoustic panel may have any dimensions, but in particular selected in the range of 140 to 190 cm, especially in the height selected in the range of 150 to 185 cm, or in the range of 70 to 125 cm, especially in the range of 80 to 120 cm. Has a height. The former height may be particularly suitable for a room partition (office partition), and the latter height may be particularly suitable for a desk partition.

  As used herein, the term “substantially”, such as “substantially all emission” or “substantially consists”, is understood by those skilled in the art. Let's be done. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments having “entirely”, “completely”, “all” and the like. Thus, in embodiments, the adjective substantially may also be excluded. Where appropriate, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or more, such as 95% or more, especially 99% or more, even more particularly 99.5% or more, including 100%. The term “comprise” also includes embodiments in which the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

  Further, in the specification and claims, the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily in a continuous or chronological order. Not to describe. The terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in an order other than that described or shown herein. It should be understood that.

  The device herein is an example of the number described during operation. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

  The embodiments described above are intended to illustrate rather than limit the invention, and to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments can be designed without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Please keep in mind. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “to include” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The present invention may be implemented by hardware including several different elements and a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

  The present invention further applies to devices that include one or more of the characterizing features described in the specification and / or shown in the accompanying drawings.

  The various aspects described in this patent can be combined to provide further advantages. Further, some of the features may form the basis of one or more divisional applications.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts.

Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically shows some embodiments and variants of the invention. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates several embodiments of a light source for an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates several embodiments of a light source for an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates several embodiments of a light source for an acoustic panel. Fig. 2 schematically shows some uses of acoustic panels. Fig. 2 schematically shows some uses of acoustic panels. Fig. 3 schematically shows some further embodiments of an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically shows some further embodiments of an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically shows some further embodiments of an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically shows some further embodiments of an acoustic panel. Fig. 3 schematically shows some further embodiments of an acoustic panel.

  The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

  Figures 1a to 1j schematically illustrate some embodiments and variations of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates one embodiment of an acoustic panel 100 in a side view. The acoustic panel 100 includes a support frame 110 having long bars 120 arranged in parallel and connected to the support frame 110. The elongated bar 120 includes a sound reducing material indicated by reference numeral 2.

  As can be seen, the elongated bar 120 is configured to provide an elongated cavity 130 (also shown as a cavity 130) between adjacent elongated bars 120. As a result, the acoustic panel 100 includes a plurality of the elongated cavities 130.

  Each cavity 130 tapers in the direction of the support frame 110 and has a first cavity wall 131 and a second cavity wall 132 that define a cavity opening angle γ having a value in the range of 35 to 75 °, for example.

  The cavity 130 has a cavity axis (or in fact a plane) 77 that can be considered a bisector (plane). This bisector (plane) has an angle δ within a range of 15 to 80 °, for example, with a normal line 113 to the frame 110. When the panel 100 is in use, the bisector (plane) may face the surface of the ground when viewed from the acoustic panel 100 (however, other embodiments are also possible. See When the acoustic panel 100 is viewed along the normal to the support frame 110, the first cavity wall 131 hides the light exit surface 12 of the light source 10.

  The first cavity wall 131 and the second cavity wall 132 may include a light reflective material in one embodiment. This may be a separate reflector, such as a coating, and the acoustic material 2 may also have light reflecting properties. The reflective material is indicated by reference numerals 1131 (first cavity wall reflective material) and 1132 (second cavity wall reflective material), respectively.

  Each elongated cavity 130 accommodates the light source 10 having the light exit surface 12 at the rear end 138 (here, the tapered end) of the cavity 130. This light source 10 may be connected to a frame. Generally, a plurality of light sources or at least a plurality of light exit surfaces are applied to each elongate cavity. The rear end of the cavity is one end of the long cavity, and the cavity opening is the other end of the cavity 130. In FIG. 1a, each cavity 130 houses a light source 10 (or multiple light sources) is one example of an embodiment.

  Here, each first cavity wall 131 has a first cavity wall angle α with a normal to the acoustic panel (or in this case, also with respect to the support frame 110), and the angle α is in particular 15 to 65 °. Is within the range. Furthermore, each second cavity wall 132 has a second cavity wall angle β normal to the support frame 110, said angle β being in the range of 25 to 80 ° in particular. The first cavity wall angle α is smaller than the second cavity wall angle β. In this way, an asymmetrically tapered cavity is obtained.

  The reference symbol p indicates the pitch between the plurality of elongated cavities 130 and thereby the pitch between the light sources within each elongated cavity 130.

  Reference numeral LS indicates a first line of sight when the panel 100 is in an upright position perpendicular to the surface of the ground, and an observer in front of the panel 100 indicates the observation position as the exit of the light source 10 in a particular cavity 130. The position is changed downward from the position where the surface 12 is hidden by the long bar on the light source to the first position where the light exit surface of the light source can be seen. Alternatively, this line of sight may include the bottom of the light exit surface of a particular light source 10 and the end tip (end or edge) of the first cavity wall of the bar on the light source, indicated by reference numeral 135. It can be defined as interconnecting lines. The angle between the normal to the surface and this LS line is indicated by the reference symbol θ. The value of this angle θ is in particular in the range from 15 to 65 °, more particularly in the range from 15 to 35 °. In this case, since a long cavity is handled, the line of sight may also relate to the plane of sight.

  Reference numeral 139 indicates an axis or an elongation axis of the elongated cavity 130 or an elongated axis. Note that the long cavities 130 of the elongated cavities of one acoustic panel 100 are preferably arranged substantially parallel. Furthermore, they are substantially in a single plane. The normal 113 is configured to be perpendicular to such a plane (of the long axis 130).

  Assuming that the height H is 150 cm, when an observer at a distance of 10 * 150 cm from the acoustic panel 100 is viewed along the normal line 113, direct illumination is not perceived. Accordingly, the first cavity wall 131 (or second cavity wall 132 in other embodiments, see below) hides the light exit surface 12 from such an observer at such a distance. Thus, behind the first cavity wall end tip 135 (or in other embodiments, behind the end tip 136 of the second cavity wall 132, see below), the light exit surface 12 is Hidden from the observers.

  Reference symbol W indicates the width (or depth) of the elongated cavity 130. This width may for example be in the range 0.5 to 20 cm, in particular 1 to 20 cm, for example 1 to 10 cm, for example at least 2 cm.

  FIG. 1b schematically shows a tiled arrangement of elongated bars. FIG. 1 b schematically shows a perspective view of the acoustic panel 100.

  The height of the panel is indicated by the letter H and the length of the panel is indicated by the letter L. Note that the cavity 130 and the elongated bar all have a substantially length L. The elongated cavity 130 has a long axis 139. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, these major axes 139 are generally arranged in parallel. The long axis 130 of the plurality of elongated cavities is generally in a single plane. The normal 113 described above as normal to the acoustic panel 100 herein is therefore also configured to be perpendicular to such a plane that includes a plurality of major axes 139.

  Generally, as seen in FIG. 1b, the edge of the cavity is not closed because it may affect the light distribution.

  A sound reducing material such as a sound absorbing material may be any material having such properties. Furthermore, in particular such materials may be coated with a material that reflects light well without blocking the propagation of sound through the coating. Such coatings are well known, for example in the field of acoustic ceiling tiles. In the case of microporous plastic panels, the panel may simply be painted white (care is taken not to fill the holes with paint) and the panel material may be white plastic.

  Optionally, the acoustic panel includes a plurality of subunits. This variant is also shown schematically in FIG. Here, the acoustic panel 100 includes a plurality (here, two) of panel elements 1100 including a sound reducing material, and each panel element 1100 includes an elongated cavity portion 1130. Panel elements 1100 can be positioned relative to each other to allow adjacent elongated cavity portions 1130 of different panel elements 1100 to form elongated cavities 130 across multiple panel elements 1100, or Furthermore, they can be connected to each other.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b (and also other embodiments described herein), each elongate cavity 130 is thus defined by a first surface 131 and a second surface 132. A cavity rear end 138 formed and on which the light source 10 may be disposed, and a cavity opening 230 through which the light source light indicated by reference numeral 11 may leak from the cavity through the cavity opening 230. In this way, light may be emitted from one or more elongated cavities 130 (when using an acoustic panel as a lighting unit). The cavity opening 230 has a height indicated by reference numeral cw. This is generally the distance between the first cavity wall end tip 135 of the first cavity wall 131 and the second cavity wall end tip 136 of the second cavity wall 132. In particular, these end tips define a cavity opening 230. The front end of the first cavity wall end is a kind of horizontal line, and the observer may not be able to directly see the light exit surface of each light source beyond it (upward here). The tip is a kind of horizontal line, and the observer may not be able to directly see the light exit surface of each light source beyond (below here). The cavity opening 130 may have a height or width cw (cavity width) in the range of 2 to 10 cm, for example. The length L of the long cavity may be within a range of 1 to 5 m, for example.

  Figures 1c and 1d schematically illustrate several alternative embodiments. In the former, the cavity walls 131 and 132 are straight, and in the latter, these walls are curved. The length of the first cavity wall 131 is indicated by reference symbol L2. In the case where a curved first cavity wall 131 is applied, the length is defined as the length of the straight line between the first cavity wall onset and the end tip 135, and similarly the curved first In the case where a two-cavity wall 132 is applied, the length is defined as the length of the straight line between the starting point of the second cavity wall and the end tip 136. Here, the first cavity wall is curved in a convex shape. The first cavity wall curved in a concave shape may not be applied. The angles of the upper and second cavity walls 131, 132 are also determined by the straight line between the start point of the first cavity wall and the end tip 135 and the straight line between the start point of the second cavity wall 132 and the end tip. It is interpreted as the angle to the normal to the frame. The end tip (or edge) of the second cavity wall 132 is indicated by reference numeral 136.

  The light source has an exit face 12 having a height H2. The light exit surface 12 may have a non-zero distance d1 to the first cavity wall 131, but generally this distance d1 is kept small. In particular, the length of d1 + H2 is significantly smaller than the length L1 of the first cavity wall. For example, L1 / (d1 + H2)> 2, especially> 5, for example> 10. In particular, alternatively or additionally, W / (d1 + H2)> 2 (see also FIG. 1a).

  FIGS. 1 c and 1 d schematically show only two bars 120, also denoted here as upper bar 121 and lower bar 122. However, it should be noted that the lower bar of one cavity may be the upper bar of another cavity (see FIGS. 1a-1b and 1e). Accordingly, these long bars 120 having sound reduction characteristics are more simply shown as (long bars) 120.

  FIG. 1e schematically shows an embodiment of an acoustic panel having an elongated bar 120 with acoustic material 2 on both sides of the frame. The bars 120 at the same height on both sides of the frame 110 may optionally be a single elongated bar 120. Similarly, optionally, the light source 10 for providing light emanating from both sides of the acoustic panel 100 may be a light source capable of providing light in the opposite direction, such as a fluorescent tube. However, in certain embodiments, light sources such as LEDs are applied to both sides of the frame 110 and configured to provide light in one direction through one cavity.

  For example, in FIG. 1a, there are vertical elements between adjacent elongated cavities 130, while in FIG. 1e there are substantially no vertical elements (or faces) between adjacent elongated cavities 130. Please note that. The vertical element is an element disposed on the cavity opening side of the panel and parallel to a plane passing through the acoustic panel 100. In FIGS. 1a and 1e, the plane through the acoustic panel is configured to be perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, and in FIG. 1f, such plane is in the plane of the drawing.

  FIG. 1 f schematically shows an embodiment viewed from the back side of the acoustic panel 100 (assuming that the bar 120 is (no longer) at the rear). Here, only two pile frames connected to the long bar 120 are shown. The elongated light source 10 may also be coupled to the two piles. Note that all other types of frames may be possible.

  FIGS. 1g and 1h also schematically show several variations that may be applied to the embodiments and variations shown above. The sawtooth variant of FIG. 1h allows for a smaller pitch compared to a panel with a high elongated bar 120 as in FIG. 1g. FIG. 1h also shows the height of the cavity back end 138, which is indicated by the reference H1. In particular, H1≈H2 (see also above). Reference numeral 111 indicates direct light, and reference numeral 112 indicates light reflected by the reflective wall. Therefore, the light source light 11 may reach the direct light 111 and the indirect light 112.

  FIG. 1h (and also FIG. 1e) shows that the slits or daylight holes are continuous with (substantially) no vertical surfaces of the acoustically absorbing material between the daylight holes or slits (as shown in FIGS. 1a-1d and 1g). FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention for forming a region. In this embodiment, there is substantially no dark area between the lighting holes or slits, and the entire area is illuminated diffusely. This prevents strong contrast in the brightness and thus prevents eye fatigue.

  FIGS. 1 i and 1 j show that the acoustic panel 100 further includes a reflection glare reduction bar 140, and the reflection glare reduction bar 140 is configured to be perpendicular to the elongated cavity 130. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment configured to block direct illumination of an article in front of an acoustic panel by light rays from the light source 10 in a plane parallel to the reduction bar 140. FIG. 1 i is a side view and FIG. 1 j is a perspective view. The heights of these reflection glare reduction bars 140 are indicated by reference numeral H3. It should be noted that in these embodiments, the height H3 of the reflective glare reduction bar 140 is approximately the same as the height H of the panel 100. These bars may be applied only when the light exit surface 12 is a discrete surface, such as in the case of LEDs. In that case, the width of the bar may be in the range of 1 to 20 times the width of the discrete surface of the light exit surface.

  Figures 2a-2c schematically illustrate some embodiments of a light source that can provide an elongate beam of light exiting a cavity. FIG. 2 a schematically shows an elongate light source 10 such as a fiber or waveguide with a light extraction structure providing a light exit surface 12. Accordingly, a long light source indicated by reference numeral 510 is shown. The length of the elongated light source 510 is indicated by L3, and may be in the range of 80 to 100%, particularly 90 to 100%, for example, 95 to 100% of the length L of the panel 100. FIG. 2b schematically shows a bar having a plurality of light sources. The light source bar is indicated by reference numeral 610. For example, this may be a unit comprising a plurality of LEDs. The pitch of the light exit surfaces 12 is indicated by the reference symbol P1 and is particularly small, for example in the range of about 20 cm or less, in particular in the range of 10 cm or less.

  Alternatively or additionally, the light exit face pitch is defined to be less than the width (depth) of the cavity 130. Thus, in one embodiment, W> P1, for example W / P1> 1.5, for example W / P1> 2.

  However, as shown above, the elongated cavity may also include a single elongated light source such as a fluorescent tube.

  FIG. 2 c schematically shows an embodiment in which a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, are provided on a support 1110, for example. The support may be part of the frame 110 (or connected to an existing frame).

  3a and 3b schematically show the use of an acoustic panel as a desk divider 101 and a room divider 102, respectively. Reference numeral 7 indicates a work area. Reference numeral 111 indicates direct light, and reference numeral 112 indicates light reflected by the reflective wall. These types of panels 100 are suitable for use in areas where room acoustics and work lighting and / or daylight improvements are needed, such as open plan offices, restaurants, libraries, hospital rooms.

  However, the acoustic panel 100 may also be used in applications other than those described and / or shown herein.

  FIG. 4a schematically illustrates one embodiment of an acoustic panel 100 similar to that schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1e. As an example, each elongated cavity 130 does not include a light source 10. FIG. 4 b schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the first cavity wall 131 and the second cavity wall 132 are arranged in parallel, but both are non-zero angles with respect to the normal 113. Thus, also in this embodiment, the light source 10, or more particularly their light exit face 12, is hidden by the first cavity wall 131 (see Examples 4a-4b) or the second cavity wall 132, which is the upper cavity wall. Yes. FIG. 4c is substantially the same as FIG. 4a except that the cavity is oriented in another direction. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 4c may be obtained when the acoustic panel 100 of FIG. 4a is arranged upside down. It should be noted that this may naturally also apply to other embodiments schematically illustrated herein. FIG. 4d shows that the elongate cavity can be considered as a cavity axis (or actually a plane) 77 (bisector (plane)) that forms different angles with respect to the normal 113. See also above. ) Schematically shows an embodiment having Or in other words, the cavity axis or surface 77 has a non-zero reciprocal angle. FIG. 4e schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the elongated cavity 130 is curved. Here, all the elongated cavities are curved, but in one embodiment, only a subset may be curved. Therefore, the long axis 139 in this embodiment is curved. Note that in the embodiment shown schematically, the elongated cavities 130 are still arranged in parallel.

  An acoustic panel was built and used as a desk divider. A substantially homogeneous illumination of the desk was obtained without direct light being seen by an observer sitting behind the desk.

  In addition, light simulation of the acoustic panel was performed with and without bars. From these simulations it can be concluded that good light distribution can be achieved behind such acoustic panels.

Claims (15)

One or more lengths, each cavity having a first cavity wall, a second cavity wall, a cavity opening between the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall, and a cavity rear end. An acoustic panel including a cavities of a scale,
In one or more of the elongated cavities, the elongated cavity accommodates a light source having a light exit surface at the cavity rear end,
Providing light source light emitted from the cavity opening by the light source;
When the acoustic panel is viewed along a normal to the acoustic panel, the first cavity wall or the second cavity wall hides the light exit surface of the light source;
The acoustic panel further comprises a sound reducing material;
Acoustic panel.   The acoustic panel of claim 1, wherein in one or more of the elongated cavities, the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall comprise a diffuse reflective material.   In one or more of the elongated cavities, the first cavity wall and the second cavity wall are tapered to the rear end of the cavity, and have a value within a range of 0 ° <γ <90 °. The acoustic panel according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic opening defines a cavity opening angle γ.   The acoustic panel according to claim 3, wherein 35 ° ≦ γ ≦ 75 °.   The acoustic panel according to claim 1, wherein the long cavities are arranged in parallel.   A support frame comprising elongated bars arranged in parallel connected to the support frame, wherein the elongated bars comprise sound reducing material, the elongated bars further comprising two adjacent bars 6. The acoustic panel according to claim 1, wherein the elongated cavity is provided between elongated bars, and the acoustic panel includes a plurality of the elongated cavities.   In one or more cavities, the first cavity wall has a first cavity wall angle within a range of 15 to 65 degrees with respect to a normal to the acoustic panel, and the second cavity wall is relative to the acoustic panel. The first cavity wall angle having a second cavity wall angle within a range of 25 to 80 degrees with respect to a normal line, wherein the first cavity wall angle is smaller than the second cavity wall angle. Acoustic panel.   8. The first cavity wall has a first cavity wall angle within a range of 15 to 35 degrees, and the second cavity wall has a second cavity wall angle within a range of 35 to 55 degrees. Acoustic panel.   The acoustic panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a plurality of elongated cavities, wherein the plurality of elongated cavities of the acoustic panel have a pitch within a range of 2 to 25 cm.   The acoustic panel according to claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated cavities include a plurality of light sources.   11. An acoustic panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic panel includes a panel element of sound reducing material that includes the one or more elongated cavities or elongated cavity portions.   A reflective glare reduction bar, wherein the reflective glare reduction bar is configured perpendicular to the one or more elongated cavities, and is in a plane perpendicular to the acoustic panel and parallel to the reflective glare reduction bar 12. An acoustic panel according to any one of the preceding claims, which blocks direct illumination of an article in front of the acoustic panel by light rays from the light source and / or redirects the light rays from the light source. .   13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the one or more elongated cavities on both sides of a support frame, wherein one or more light sources provide light exiting from both sides of the acoustic panel. Acoustic panel.   Use of the acoustic panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13 as a desk divider or a room divider.   15. Use of an acoustic panel according to claim 14 to enhance visual and auditory privacy in an open office and at the same time provide work lighting at a desk.

Images